Outgoing New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her successor Chris Hipkins at Parliament in Wellington on January 22, 2023. MARTY MELVILLE / AFP
She left. The outgoing Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, was officially replaced by Chris Hipkins, 44, on Wednesday January 25. The inauguration ceremony of the new leader took place in the capital, Wellington. Like his predecessor, Mr. Hipkins is Labor.
Ms Ardern, 42, said last week she didn’t have “enough energy” to continue with her duties after five years of being shackled by a deadly volcanic eruption, the worst attack ever perpetrated in the country, and the coronavirus pandemic, Covid -19 was coined.
Christopher Hipkins was previously Secretary of State for Home Affairs, Education and Public Services. Dubbed ‘Chippy’ by his colleagues, this red-haired, chubby-faced 40-year-old had garnered enough support within his party to be the sole candidate to succeed Ms Ardern.
Also read: Article reserved for our subscribers In New Zealand, Chris Hipkins is preparing to replace Jacinda Ardern as Prime Minister
“It is the greatest privilege and responsibility of my life,” Mr Hipkins said at his inauguration, saying he was “motivated” and “excited” by the “challenges ahead”.
Head of Zero Covid Strategy
The man, who was an MP for fourteen years, became a recognized figure on the political stage when he rose to the helm of the ministry responsible for fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. While his government has taken particularly tough action as part of a zero-Covid strategy, he has built a reputation for competence and honesty. In light of the pandemic, New Zealand had closed its borders and only reopened in August 2022.
“I leave with a sense of gratitude after fulfilling this wonderful role for so many years,” Jacinda Ardern told reporters in Ratana, in the north of the country, on Tuesday during her final public trip as prime minister.
Also read: Article reserved for our subscribers New Zealand: Labor Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says goodbye
His Labor government’s popularity has waned in recent months amid a looming recession and a resurgence in Conservative opposition. Her resignation sparked a nationwide debate about the vilification of women leaders, particularly on social media.
Chris Hipkins has called the attacks she suffered as head of state “absolutely abhorrent”. However, Jacinda Ardern said on Tuesday she would “hate” it if her sudden departure were seen as criticism of her country.
Also read: The surprising resignation of Jacinda Ardern or the art of doing politics differently